By Krystle J Bailey
Debra Freed of Linwood knows firsthand what it’s like to raise a child with special needs through the public education system and into adulthood. Her experience with her daughter Lindsey opened her eyes to how difficult it can be to access resources, information, and support once a special needs student transitions out of high school.
The mother of three created Adult Independent Services, a consultation service for special needs students and their parents, to help families navigate life after senior year. Debra’s daughter Lindsey who lives with a rare chromosomal abnormality, grew up in the public school system with IEPs and an abundance of support offered through the school district. As Lindsey faced the transition to adulthood after graduation, her mother, Debra, went to great lengths to ensure Lindsey had everything she needed to experience an autonomous and fruitful adult experience.
“As your child is leaving, a new child is coming in,” explains Freed about the public school system. “High schools can’t follow your child for the rest of his or her life.”
That’s where Adult Independent Services comes in. Debra formed the organization in the Summer of 2022 to extend her knowledge and experiences to other special needs families in the area. She works alongside the families and schools to communicate the realities of life after high school, what options are available to them, and how to access state-funded agency support.
“I sit with the schools to help make their jobs easier,” shares Freed. “I am a trampoline for when families of special needs children walk out into the real world. As a mom who has done it, I’ve sat on both sides of the table, and I know what it’s like on the other side.”
Lindsey, who is now 25 years old, lives independently in supervised living. She maintains a job with the help of a job coach, goes to regular therapy, and enjoys horseback riding in her spare time.
Debra’s commitment to helping other families experience a transition into adulthood, and her heart for students with special needs led her to launch her consultation business last year. Adult Independent Services’ mission is to help alleviate the stress and anxiety that comes with the question, “What will the future look like for my loved ones once they age out of the school system?”
Debra helps make the answer to that question a little easier and the transition a little bit smoother.
Contact Debra and learn more at www.adultindependentservices.com.
